Volleyball Announces Captains for 2010 SeasonCushman, Hill and Wildermuth to lead Cavaliers

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Head volleyball coach Lee Maes has announced that seniors AJ Cushman and Sydney Hill, in addition to redshirt sophomore Beth Wildermuth, will serve as tri-captains for the 2010 season.

"All three captains that were selected will play a significant role in providing leadership to this years team, on and off the court," Maes said. "All three share one major trait; all have the ability to make others around them better and more productive. Each will be unique in their leadership approach, but all will make sure that the team's best interest will always be at the forefront."

Cushman, the team's top defender a year ago, returns to pace the back row. Cushman collected 518 digs and ranked fifth in the ACC with 36 service aces last year. She enters this season ranked eighth on Virginia's career records for digs per set, averaging 3.02.

Hill has started every match throughout the past two seasons and looks to be one of the top returning middle blockers in the conference this year. As a sophomore, Hill led the team with 131 total blocks, ranking fifth in the ACC, and collected 127 blocks assists - the sixth-best individual season total in UVa history.

Wildermuth comes to the Cavaliers this season from Notre Dame. Joining Virginia this past spring season, Wildermuth will be expected to carry a large role in controlling the Cavaliers' offense this fall. In her one season with the Fighting Irish, Wildermuth played in 23 matches and dished out 177 assists in 2008, while collecting 83 digs.

Virginia opens its 2010 season today, facing Valparaiso as part of the Temple Invitational at 2 p.m. The Cavaliers will also play Delaware at 1 p.m., tomorrow and conclude tournament play against the host Owls at 7 p.m.